Bach composed this chorale cantata in Leipzig for the eleventh Sunday after Trinity and first performed it on 20 August 1724. It is based on a hymn with the same name (1588) by Bartholomäus Ringwaldt (28 November 1532 – c. 1599), the German didactic poet and Lutheran pastor. Ringwaldt is most recognized as a hymnwriter.

The cantata in eight movements is for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, two oboes d’amore, flauto traverso, two violins, viola and basso continuo.